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Original poster

URGENT Iranian women's football team

104 replies

ProfessorBinturong · 09/03/2026 09:08

After refusing to sing the national anthem they have been declared 'war traitors'. If they return to Iran they will be severely punished, probably executed.

They signalled for help from their tour bus and protesters tried to prevent it leaving the stadium, but Australian security intervened to allow it through.

They're currently in a hotel waiting to be taken back home. Please sign this NOW to ask Australia to to give them.asylum. At the moment the government is insisting they apply for asylum individually, which is impossible while they are being held by their Iranian handlers.

x.com/i/status/2030781831537451013

OP posts:

Thread gallery

drspouse · 09/03/2026 14:43

I am so pleased to hear about these five women - thinking of the others.

Helleofabore · 09/03/2026 14:34

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-10/iranian-womens-football-escape-asylum/106434542

Five female soccer players who it was feared would face persecution when they returned to Iran have left their accommodation in the Gold Coast and plan to seek asylum in Australia, multiple sources have told the ABC.

Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, who all play for the Iran women’s national football team, refused to sing the national anthem before their opening match with South Korea at the Women's Asian Cup earlier this month.

Fears had been growing they would be targeted by the Iranian regime upon their return, after they were labelled "traitors" on Iranian state TV.

Now, a family member of one of the athletes, who we have agreed not to name, and activists within the Iranian Australian community have told the ABC the players have evaded the team's handlers and are being protected by police in Queensland.

One of the athlete's family members told the ABC: "I want to kiss the hands of everyone who helped".

"And I appreciate your sacrifices. Five of them are leaving the team to stay. I pray to god we all go back to a free Iran soon."

Breaking: Five Iranian women's soccer players to seek asylum in Australia, multiple sources say

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-10/iranian-womens-football-escape-asylum/106434542

dhinwiz · 09/03/2026 14:29

TheBeaTgoeson1 · 09/03/2026 10:08

Now this, is something on FWR I get behind rather than the endless teeth nashing over trans people.

Why? Because you'd like to see women's rights disappear here too?

likelysuspect · 09/03/2026 14:12

Who holds their passports?

The ones with families back home - do they want asylum?

Are they able to communicate with the outside world?

Im wondering if they just chuck their passports and so cant fly

Or the say they want asylum when they get to immigration control and refuse to board.

murasaki · 09/03/2026 14:08

Yes, that has been reported today, prior to that it seems that none had. And as others said, it's a tough decision re their families at home. I hope it all works out for them, it's a horrible situation.

Bachem · 09/03/2026 14:06

murasaki · 09/03/2026 10:36

Charming. That was what was reported re the process of applying.

Five have asked for and been given asylum, so they clearly were able to.

ProfessorRedshoeblueshoe · 09/03/2026 13:13

According to Sky News 5 of the women are now seeking asylum

Helleofabore · 09/03/2026 12:44

Helleofabore · 09/03/2026 11:06

For one group they didn’t sing it. For the next two they have been reported as singing and saluting. But the labelling as traitors has already happened.

Show quote history

sorry, that is 'game'.

Mummylin · 09/03/2026 12:06

Have signed, what an awful situation those poor females are in.

CraftandGlamour · 09/03/2026 11:19

Signed. These women and their families are in a terrible bind. Whatever they do, they will be made to suffer by the terrifying misogynists.

peanutbuttertoasty · 09/03/2026 11:10

Mourn the Ayatollah and protect the regime though, yeah?

Helleofabore · 09/03/2026 11:06

seahrchin123 · 09/03/2026 10:25

Did they not sing it or just didn't sing it because no one sings it

For one group they didn’t sing it. For the next two they have been reported as singing and saluting. But the labelling as traitors has already happened.

HeadyLamarr · 09/03/2026 11:05

Thanks, signed it. It's dangerous for their families if they stay in Australia and dangerous for them if they return. Scary business all around.

Let's not forget what the Taliban did to female athletes. The more extreme theocracies are very dangerous, and th west has done far too little to help women and girls.

Tiredmumno1 · 09/03/2026 11:04

Done

Helleofabore · 09/03/2026 10:57

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-09/desperation-for-irans-women-footballers-preparing-to-return/106431198?utm_source=abc_news_app&utm_medium=content_shared&utm_campaign=abc_news_app&utm_content=safari

I hope this link works, it is the latest update from this morning .

Desperation grows for Iran's footballers as they prepare to leave Australia

There is an increasing sense of urgency among members of the Iranian Australian community who are desperate to hear from the women's team before they leave Australia, and fear for their safety if they return to Iran.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-09/desperation-for-irans-women-footballers-preparing-to-return/106431198

JoyousAsOtters · 09/03/2026 10:53

It’s far from straightforward - some have children in Iran apparently, and all will have families there.

PersonIrresponsible · 09/03/2026 10:52

But I thought trans people were the most persecuted?

Anyways, have signed. Unfortunately, these women will already know that they have to chose between saving themselves or saving their families.

The ultimate of horrifying dilemmas.

Helleofabore · 09/03/2026 10:50

EmeraldRoulette · 09/03/2026 10:28

How will they be taken back into Iran? I presume they aren't taking a flight, they'll have to connect somewhere and go overland.

So don't they have plenty of time to ask for asylum? Or have they already asked and been refused?

I saw that with them refusing to sing the national anthem and I was ever so worried.

NGL surprised that Iran put women's football team into the field. Presumably to play pretend on the world stage.

“NGL surprised that Iran put women's football team into the field. Presumably to play pretend on the world stage.”

You might have forgotten Iran’s habit where their women’s football team is concerned.

Either way though, these players have tried to stand up to their government any that want to claim asylum should be able to.